October 2022
Dear Friends:
About 33 years ago, in 1989, I became USY President at Temple Sinai in Pennsylvania, and I had the honor of serving as a member of the shul’s Board in this capacity while sitting next to my father, also a Board member. Over the course of that year, I came to love being a part of the congregation’s leadership and giving back to the community that had given so much to me and to my family. I also greatly admired the Board President and the incredible privilege to lead and give back to and support the kehillah. It was during this time that I decided I would one day commit my passion for Judaism, energy for collaborating with others, and desire to lead Jewish organizations in a similar manner. Over the past 15+ years, I have served in many roles at our shul and have been counting down the days thinking of starting as President in June of 2023.
At the same time, I have continued to address the challenges of a long-time health condition that is greatly aggravated by cold weather. After an experiment of spending last winter in Florida and realizing the immeasurable benefits to my health, I have made what for me has been one of the most difficult, painful, and upsetting decisions of my life. Together with my family, Risa, Ari, and Becca, I have decided that my health must take priority, and I will therefore be continuing to spend the winter months in Florida. This will simply not allow me to be the type of leader I’d like to be and the type our congregation deserves and will need during this period of tremendous transition. As such, it is with a heavy heart that I am sharing that I will not be able to serve as President.
I want to thank you for the many wonderful wishes and words many of you have shared with me since my nomination in the Spring of 2021. Let me also thank you in advance for your understanding of how difficult a decision this has been for me.
Noah